If you are at sea & you still have a signal it means that the cruise line is providing a cell phone signal & they will add an additional charge of $4 or $5 per minute to your tab. Although I haven't personally experienced the service yet, the new system is being introduced on more & more ships everyday. I'm not quite sure how the system identifies your phone for billing purposes but using a cell phone at sea can be convenient but expensive.

relax, enjoy the cruise, the world will be there when you get back. When you get within site if the shore your cell will find a shore tower, Then call the people that are picking you up if you need to.

Although I personally have the need to use a cell phone on a cruise there can be a justified need for one- someone ill at home who takes a turn for the worst. At least you can call ahead to the next port to make emergency plane reservations to get back home.

No problem with those who have a real need. I think those of us who hate it are referring to those who want to sit and idly chat about nothing - the same people who wander supermarket aisles with a cell phone welded to their ear - or those who make a list of people to call from the car before they leave home!

Yea I know what you mean, we've got them here in Florida to. In any event, I'd love to see the expression on their face when they get the bill on the last night of the cruise after blabbing about nothing for 20 or 30 minutes on the cell phone at sea. Priceless.